Hurricane Information St.Lucie County

Storm Preparation St. Lucie County

Safety Notes for Storm Preparations:

If you have small children in your household- storing water in bathtubs can be a drowning hazard-use large plastic storage tubs with snap-on lids.

After the storm- follow safety precautions using your generators- must be outside and away from windows/ventilation vents.

St. Lucie County Government
For a Disaster Preparedness Guide, click here.
For Hurricane Quick Guide, click here.

City of Fort Pierce 

SANDBAGS- No longer up and running.

Hours/Days  Dawn to Dusk Daily

Locations

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamland Park (S. 25th St.)

• Pioneer Park (Ave M and N. 29th St.)

• Little Jim Bait & Tackle (601 N. Causeway)

• Jaycee Park (South Hutchinson Island)

*Self-service sandbag stations for residents- must bring their own bag and shovel.

When to put up shutters:

According to the National Weather Service's guide to wind speed, wind speeds of over 75 miles per hour can lift roofs and break windows. This means that for any storm with wind speeds above 75 miles per hour, your windows should be protected.

If a Hurricane Watch is issued- this means hurricane conditions of sustained 74 mph or higher are Possible.

If a Hurricane Warning is issued- this means sustained winds 74 mph or higher Are Expected.

Visit Ready.gov

Also visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/

for more pre and post hurricane/disaster information.

Shelters and Evacuation St. Lucie County

American Red Cross Regional Recovery Shelter 
First United Methodist
Church 260 Prima Vista  PSL  
COTS AND MEALS

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
You must have a FEMA application number and approval from FEMA to participate in the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. Use the hotel locator to find a participating hotel.

Once approved- If you have questions about TSA or need help locating a hotel, you may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity. If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

SHELTERS CLOSED- as of 10-11-24:
All general population and pet-friendly shelters have been CLOSED. Only the Special Needs Shelter at Fenn Center Open

St. Lucie County Info Line 772-460-4357
(can arrange shelter rides through public transit)

SHELTER:

Florida Department of Health, St. Lucie Public Schools & St. Lucie County will be opening the following shelters on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.:

• Havert L. Fenn Center (Medical Special Needs Shelter): 2000 Virginia Ave. in Fort Pierce

Residents are strongly urged to shelter in place if safe to do so. It is safer at home.

Find out if an evacuation order has been declared for your area. 

Florida 511 Interactive Traffic Map

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER:

A Special Needs Shelter is available for individuals whose capabilities require assistance in the management of their illness, ailment, or injury. A family member or caregiver should stay at the shelter with the individual. The shelter is not available for individuals who are in a care facility (such as a hospital, nursing home, or congregate living facility).

The program is coordinated by the Division of Emergency Management and the St. Lucie County Health Department. Each application will be reviewed to verify qualifications. Individuals may register themselves or a family member by visiting www.stlucieco.gov/specialneeds or by calling 772-462-8100.

Doctors, providers of in-home medical equipment, and others in medically related professions can help their patients and clients with the registration form, which is available online at www.stlucieco.gov/specialneeds or by mail from:

Don’t forget to bring any medical equipment you may need such as oxygen etc.

PET-FRIENDLY SHELTER:

Please note that shelters should be used as a refuge of last resort. If evacuations are issued and you are able to stay with friends and families outside the evacuation zones - that will be a more comfortable option for you and your pets.

·       You must provide proof of rabies vaccination for your dog or cat.

·       Pets are to remain contained in an approved carrier (hard plastic or wire) except at scheduled times. Carriers are required to be large enough to
accommodate bedding, food/water bowls and litter pans

·       At least one family member must remain at the shelter at all times while their animal is being sheltered.

·       Each pet owner is responsible for assigning one caregiver for animal visitation, walking, cleaning, feeding, and administering medication.

·       To avoid gastric upset, pets should be fed their regular diet, water should be changed daily. Pet carriers and their immediate area are expected to be
kept neat and clean.

·       Dogs should be kept on a short leash at all times when out of their carrier. Retractable leaches are discouraged.

·       Dogs are to be walked in designated areas only and owners are expected to use waste bags (provided). There are designated disposal areas for
waste.

·       Pets and carriers must maintain proper identification.

·       Pet owners are responsible for any items brought to the shelter for themselves and or/their pet(s) and will not hold shelter staff responsible for
items left behind.

Here is a list of essential items that residents must bring to a shelter:

·       Pillow, blanket and linens for everyone in your group. It is suggested to bring a folding cot, twin-size air mattress, or equivalent to sleep on.

·       Three-day supply of non-perishable food for individual taste and/or special diet per person.

·       Three-day supply of drinking water in non-breakable container(s). (1 gallon per day, per person).

·       Prescription medications in their prescription bottles. If you have a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) bring it with you. Remember to bring the
original document that it is on canary yellow paper.

·       Personal Items:

o   Important papers (Personal identification, Insurance policies, etc.)

o   Reading glasses

o   Personal hygiene articles (toothbrush, soap, towel, wash cloth, etc.)

o   Change of clothing

o   Sweater or jacket

o   Rainwear

o   Quiet games i.e. cards, book, and knitting.

Residents seeking transportation to the General Population Shelters can call 772-460-HELP (4357) today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting).

Food & Water St. Lucie County

Call 211 or visit site finder a the the Treasure Coast Food Bank at www.stophunger.org

Treasure Coast Food Bank

Phone: 772.489.3034 Fax: 772.489.5673

Email: info@tcfoodbank.org

Web: www.stophunger.org

Utilities St. Lucie County

Florida Power & Light
800-226-3545

Fort Pierce Utilities Authority
772-466-1600

Waste Pro -Normal garbage/recycling routes in unincorporated areas of the county. Landfill and Recycling Center will remain open. Unless otherwise stated Waste Pro - Normal Routes until 35 mph  suspend service Thursday. (posted 10-9-24 11 am)

Debris Removal

Outside contractors began picking up debris following Hurricane Milton in the Holiday Pines neighborhood on Oct. 14, mulching roughly 700 cubic yards of vegetation.  Early estimates anticipate crews will need to remove more than 90,000 cubic yards of debris from unincorporated St. Lucie County due to the damage caused by tornadoes and strong winds from Hurricane Milton.

Contractors have separated the unincorporated area of St. Lucie County (outside city limits) into 15 zones. Starting with neighborhoods impacted the most, crews are scheduled to run a 10-truck operation working 11-hour shifts over the next two months. This schedule will be adjusted as more trucks/equipment/workforce become available. Please note that the schedule may be adjusted if the number of trucks or hours increases/decreases.

Click on the link below and then the Debris Removal tab for the complete schedule and important details:

https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/public-safety/emergency-readiness-portal

Debris tips:

If you have Hurricane Milton debris: Remember to separate storm debris into five categories:

1. Normal household trash: Your regular household waste and recyclables will not be collected with storm debris. Stick to your normal garbage removal schedule.

2. Vegetative debris: This includes vegetation such as leaves, logs, plants, and tree branches. Do NOT put yard waste in bags.

3. Construction and demolition debris: This category includes cabinets, counters, doors, drywall, lumber, roofing and shingles, tile windows, wood siding, and vanities.

4. Bulky Waste: Items such as carpet, furniture, mattresses, plastic/PVC pipe, privacy fencing, vinyl siding, and pressure-treated wood.

5. Appliances and white goods: This category includes air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators (remember to put food waste with household trash), stoves, washers and dryers, and water heaters.

Placement for pick up:

Place the separated debris at the edge of your property near the road. Do NOT block the roadway or storm water drains. Also, do NOT place debris under power lines and trees, or near poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility boxes, or other structures that can delay removal. Do NOT place debris on driveways or sidewalks, and do NOT mix household hazardous waste or electronics with other debris.

Bring them to the Proper Bailing and Recycling Facility in your area for proper disposal.

For information on severe weather debris procedures, visit this link for information from St Lucie County's Solid Waste Division. 

Port St. Lucie- Solid Waste Update: Residents are being asked not to trim trees or put out large piles of yard waste as they might not be collected before the storm. Residents also should avoid placing out large piles of trash or bulky items until the storm passes. The City of Port St. Lucie, through its solid waste hauler, will continue to provide collection and disposal services, until weather conditions prohibit it. To learn more, click on the severe weather tips and questions at www.CityofPSL.com/SolidWaste.

Seniors & Persons with Disabilities St. Lucie County

All shelters have been evacuated and closed as of 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11.

Residents that need transportation to the Special Needs Shelter (Havert L. Fenn Center) can call 772-462-1778 and press 1 for reservations from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting).

*If you are an able body senior- please see regular shelter list at the top of the page- when activated.

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER:

A Special Needs Shelter is available for individuals whose capabilities require assistance in the management of their illness, ailment, or injury. A family member or caregiver should stay at the shelter with the individual. The shelter is not available for individuals who are in a care facility (such as a hospital, nursing home, or congregate living facility).

The program is coordinated by the Division of Emergency Management and the St. Lucie County Health Department. Each application will be reviewed to verify qualifications. Individuals may register themselves or a family member by visiting www.stlucieco.gov/specialneeds or by calling 772-462-8100.

Doctors, providers of in-home medical equipment, and others in medically related professions can help their patients and clients with the registration form, which is available online at www.stlucieco.gov/specialneeds or by mail from:

Don’t forget to bring any medical equipment you may need such as oxygen etc.

Residents with special medical needs or pets that may need to seek temporary shelter should pre-register at https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/public-safety/shelter-evacuation-info.

Special Needs Evacuation Information
For more information, visit the website.

Happy Baby Diaper Pantry email happybaby@tcfoodbank.org Open Mon thru Fri 9am to 5pm 401 Angle Road fort pierce

Pet Safety St. Lucie County

All shelters have been evacuated and closed as of 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11.

Florida Department of Health, St. Lucie Public Schools & St. Lucie County will be opening the following shelters on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at 2 p.m.:

• Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (General Population/Pet Friendly Shelter): 1801 Panther Lane in Fort Pierce

• Treasure Coast High School (General Population/Pet Friendly Shelter): 1000 SW Darwin Blvd. in Port St. Lucie

Emergency Preparedness & Pets
https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/public-safety/animal-safety-service-protection/emergency-preparedness-pets

 Physical & Mental Health St. Lucie County

Behavioral/Mental Health Resources - Dial 2-1-1

211 staff are available if you are feeling overwhelmed and need to talk, Dial 2-1-1 or Text your zip code to 898211

Oxygen Refills
The Florida Department of Health is providing free oxygen tank refills
Location: Indrio Crossing Plaza, 4870 North Kings Highway daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Look for the Florida Department of Health trailer.
*Residents and medical providers must bring their own oxygen tank. 

Also ask 211 staff for additional resources from our database or do self-search by clicking on red “Get Help Now” button at the top of this page.

Mental Health Resources:

Charlie Health- Virtual Mental Health support during this challenging time & there is no waitlist. Call (866) 491-5196
Their group therapy sessions remain available to assist the community in any way they can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further support or have any questions. We’re here for you. Stay safe and take care. *Insurance:* We work with all major *Commercial* health plans, *TriCare*, and *Medicaids *(Sunshine, Molina, Aetna Better Health, Humana, Simply)

Florida State University
Helping families, communities, and providers to prepare for the storm and its aftermath.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network- resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Click link below to view strategies and resources…

 FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy

West Palm Beach VA

In anticipation of Hurricane Milton impacting our local community within the next 36 hours, we continue to monitor and remain prepared for the expected impact.

As informed previously, all outpatient clinics, to include our Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Pharmacy, will be closed Thursday, October 10. Please plan accordingly:

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Tuesday, Oct. 8

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Wednesday, Oct. 9

• OUTPATIENT OPERATIONS CLOSED on Thursday, Oct. 10

• The Emergency Department will remain open and available.

• All face-to-face outpatient clinics are scheduled to be closed. Veterans will be offered virtual care options where available and scheduled procedures will be reviewed for appropriate rescheduling and care coordination.

• For appointments booked with Community Care, Veterans should contact their community providers directly for availability and alternate options.

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Friday, Oct. 11

We offer virtual care options that will allow you to continue to receive services from the comfort and safety of your home. For virtual medical care, Veterans can contact the 24/7 VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 or download the VA Health Chat app to connect with medical professionals.  

In addition to the Call Center and app, VA has activated the Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan through Heritage Health Solutions (HHS). Eligible patients with Veterans Health Identification (VHIC) in need of an emergency supply of medications can go to any retail pharmacy within the Heritage network with a written VA prescription or active VA prescription bottle, not older than 6 months and with refills available, to receive a 30-day supply (please be advised: this does not include controlled substances). To locate the closest HHS pharmacy and contact HHS, visit: https://va.hhspharmacy.com/locations/index.html.

 Education & Schools St. Lucie County

School Closures:  (posted 10-15-24)

 St. Lucie Public Schools and Indian River State College Open at this time

St. Lucie County School District
https://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/weather-updates/

Indian River State College

 FEMA- Claims & Small Business Assistance St. Lucie County

After the Storm

Reminding residents and businesses that unlicensed contractors from outside the area will be looking for those seeking speedy repairs. To avoid being taken advantage of or stuck with repairs/fines that you are responsible for, you should:

• Always hire a licensed contractor,

• Get at least three written quotes for any job,

• Never put down more than a 10 percent deposit.

To verify a license, you can visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com, and click verify a license or contact your County’s Contractor Licenses Division.

Help small businesses get back on their feet: https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz

Small Business Association
https://www.sba.gov/

Small Business Loans
Residents may also apply for an SBA Loan to help with recovery efforts by going to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, zero interest working capital loans with fast approvals for businesses impacted by a disaster. Go to www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply.

Disaster Relief Applications & FEMA Assistance Residents whose homes or businesses have been damaged can apply for disaster relief funds through FEMA. You can begin your application at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App. everyone is encouraged to document any property damage with photos and videos to assist with your claims.

After the Storm

St. Lucie County reminds residents and businesses that unlicensed contractors from outside the area will be looking for those seeking speedy repairs. To avoid being taken advantage of or stuck with repairs/fines that you are responsible for, you should:

• Always hire a licensed contractor,

• Get at least three written quotes for any job,

• Never put down more than a 10 percent deposit.

To verify a license, you can visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com, and click verify a license or email St. Lucie County’s Contractor Licenses Division at johnsonrox@stlucieco.org. If residents have questions, please contact the St. Lucie County Contractor Licensing staff at 772-462-1672.

Insurance Information

When a tropical storm or hurricane is projected to hit our state, the Florida Department of Financial Services activates a special consumer helpline for Floridians to seek assistance on insurance matters. The number is 1-800-22-STORM, or 1-800-227-8676. Hearing-impaired residents may use a TDD to call 1-800-640-0886.

• Florida Department of Financial Services web site

• After Disaster Checklist

• Disaster Insurance Assistance

• LÍNEA PARA ASISTENCIA SOBRE SEGUROS DURANTE UN DESASTRE

• www.myfloridacfo.com/division/ica/fullcoverage/homeowners 

• www.citizensfla.com/en/web/public/recovery-resources?

• cpicew_grid=MiltonHeleneRecovery

 Transportation & Lodging St. Lucie County

Reminder to motorists that all non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as a four-way stop.

https://tracker.gasbuddy.com/ can help locate operational gas stations after a storm

NOT IN OUR SERVICE AREA AT THIS TIME: Airbnb is offering temporary housing for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene & Milton

To see counties/states that are participating go to:  
https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-hurricane-helene/

Area Regional Transit (ART)
https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/community-services/area-regional-transit

St. Lucie County’s public transit, ART (Area Regional Transit),
will suspend fixed route and on-demand service at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and remain closed through Thursday. ART plans to reopen Friday morning, weather permitting. For additional information, visit www.slcart.org or call 772-462-1778.

Residents seeking transportation to the General Population Shelters can call 772-460-HELP (4357) today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting).FREE

RIDES AVAILABLE to shelters:

 Both Lyft and Uber use code MILTONRELIEF

 Note the state is also announcing a shuttle number:  1-800-729-3413 should someone be in evacuation zone.

Road Closures
Beginning Sunday, October 13th
Kings Highway in Fort Pierce will be closed from Immokalee Road to Angle Road.
Additionally, Angle Road in Fort Pierce will be closed at Kings Highway in both directions
*Utility crews need these closures to restore power

Please listen to your local authorities regarding bridge and road closures.

Local Government Offices St. Lucie County

St Lucie County Emergency Operations Center
The St. Lucie County Emergency Operations Center can be reached at (772-460-4357 or 772-460-HELP).  Click here or call 772-462-8100 for more information

Parks & Recreation
For current updates, visit the website.

St. Lucie County Landfill and Waste Pro will continue to operate during regular business hours until the weather conditions become unsafe for trucks to be on the road.

Recovery Information: Also visit website for updates: https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/public-safety/emergency-readiness-portal

Volunteer Opportunities St. Lucie County

United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee
To assist residents in our impacted areas, we are collecting donations to address both immediate storm-related needs and long-term recovery efforts.
Every contribution makes a difference and helps us rebuild stronger together. Volunteer needs also at:
https://uwslo.org/hurricane-relief

Volunteers
Residents wishing to volunteer with the relief/recovery efforts in St. Lucie County are asked to call the public information line to provide their contact information. The public information lines are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 772-460-HELP (4357). 

Volunteer Florida
www.volunteerflorida.org

The Scripps Howard FundDonations for Disaster Relief Fund - Hurricane Helene and MiltonScribbs will match every dollar donated up to $10,000 https://www.scrippsnews.com/relief

WPTV.Com/ReliefText 50155

Before, During and After: 211 Helpline provides information on services for your everyday needs and in times of crisis. Call 2-1-1 or (866) 882-2991

211 Helpline - partners with emergency management services and local agencies in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast to get you the information needed to prepare, endure, and recover from adverse events.      

Be prepared. We encourage all individuals, families, organizations and businesses to take stock, plan and get prepared.  

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